Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/01/2021 Crow’s always been happy in his forest home. That is, until he encounters Dove, whose beauty and cooing voice fill him with self-doubt (“Her bright feathers make mine seem so dull, and who would want to listen to my loud ‘caw caw’?”). “You must be the happiest bird alive,” he says. But Dove replies, “I thought I was happy . . . until I heard Nightingale sing.” From Nightingale to Rooster, Crow learns each envies another, including Swan, who feels he pales against Peacock’s feathers that “sparkle like jewels.” Crow then finds Peacock, surrounded by awed onlookers, but he's unhappy to be caged and on display. Hearing Peacock’s story, Crow gains new perspective about himself and what happiness means. Bright, somewhat abstract, collage-like illustrations composed of simple shapes depict the stylized, expressive birds in luminously layered, vibrant hues. With its lively text and lovely art, this version of the classic tale couches a positive message about not making assumptions and appreciating who you are in an eye-catching package perfect for group storytimes. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.